A micromechanics-based Cosserat-type model for dense particulate solids

A two-dimensional continuum theory is presented for cohesionless granular media consisting of identical rigid disks. While the normal deformation of contacting particles is constrained, the tangential frictional contact is modelled by a line spring with a constant stiffness. To describe the static frictional system transmitting couples at contacts, a Cosserat-type continuum including rotational degrees of freedom is appropriate. Contrary to the classical elastic medium, movement of particles within a granular system in response to applied loads can give rise to localisations of force chains and large voids. In addition to relative displacement and rotation, a director governing the direction of interparticle forces and a phase field delineating density variation, are therefore introduced. Total work done involving these two order parameters for a particle is attained on an orientation average. Based on the formulation of free energy, a concentration- and anisotropy-dependent formulation for static quantities (stress and couple stress) in the rate form is derived in light of the principles of thermodynamics. It is consistent with the requirement of observer independence and material symmetry. The governing equations for two order parameters are derived, in which void concentration and stress anisotropy are related to relative displacement and rotation. As an example, the proposed model is applied to the hardening regime of deformation of a dense particle assembly with initial perfect lattice under simple shear. It is demonstrated that in the presence of dilatancy and director variation, there exists a linear relation between the shear stress and strain, in coincidence with experimental observations. Received: February 24, 2005